In the manufacture of traditional cheese varieties, processing fresh milk that has been treated as little as possible is crucial. Preserving the microbiome and the activity of the original enzymes in the raw milk to the greatest extent possible allows these cheeses to retain their original character. This objective conflicts with the growing demands placed on products in terms of food safety. The present literature search addresses the influence of the pre-treatment of cheesemaking milk on the food safety and quality of ripened cheeses, with particular focus on heat treatment, bactofugation, and microfiltration.